In 1994, the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers' Association published a compilation of laws affecting newspapers, the Newspaper Handbook. Since that time, the laws affecting newspapers have changed, and the demand for an updated version of the Handbook has led to a 1998 version and this updated and greatly expanded 2000 version.

The PA NewsMedia Association Newspaper Handbook is designed to serve as a legal reference tool for newspaper publishers, editors, reporters, and business personnel. It contains summaries of laws which affect the editorial, operational, and advertising functions of a newspaper.

The Handbook has been formatted to allow easy revisions and additions. The material it contains will need to be periodically updated by the Association because of the ever-changing laws affecting newspapers. The Handbook is meant as general information only, and specific legal questions should be directed to an attorney.

The Association hopes that you find this publication to be a valuable tool in dealing with everyday legal problems, and a useful resource in developing long-term policies and programs.

Please use the image above or the text links below to access the information. For a general overview of United States constitutional law, see Cornell Law's Legal Information Institute internet site at: www.law.cornell.edu/topics/constitutional.html